Paper "Bird" Contest

SUMMARY:	Learn about and test out the physics of flight by designing a paper "bird". This lesson is part of a series. Select this text to learn more about the series and how to extend its usefulness.
OBJECTIVES:	Students will test their town theories of flight.
SUBJECTS:	Science
GRADES:	4 - 8
LENGTH:	Quickie

Background: Four main factors affect flight: lift, drag, thrust, and the downward pull of gravity. Different shaped wings and feathers have different effects on these factors. Long wings are good for lift for birds like the albatross and other birds that glide over the ocean. Spaces between feathers reduce drag and help eagles soar. Short wings are good for maneuverability and rapid takeoffs for the birds that live in the woods. Narrow wings, like swifts and sparrows have, are good for high speeds.

Materials: Paper

How to:

1. Research the physics of flight as a class. Refer to the Flight section of The Bird Site.
2. Each student can design a paper "bird", modeled after a paper airplane.
3. Test all the birds at once by throwing them off of a high place at your school.
4. Measure which one glided the longest, went the furthest, went the fastest, and did the most turns. Take notes of what was different or special about each of these paper birds.